Pathways to Service connects over 40 students to community

Published on Nov 11, 2026

Over 40 students from Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) participated last month in Pathways to Service, a two-week community engagement initiative for students enrolled in FYE 110.

The program allows students to engage in meaningful service while developing skills aligned with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s 10 Essential Skills, including civic engagement, teamwork, and professional engagement.

Five community organizations partnered with the college in this initiative, including Ashland Animal Rescue Fund (AARF), Carter County Public Library – Grayson Branch, Facing Hunger Foodbank, Hillcrest-Bruce Mission, and Safe Harbor of Northeast KY, Inc.

“Hillcrest-Bruce Mission was an amazing place to volunteer,” said ACTC student, Bryce Klaiber. “I look forward to coming back to volunteer again in the future. This was a new experience for me, but I really enjoyed it.”

Gavin Porter, Grayson Branch manager for the Carter County Public Library, recently shared positive feedback from a community member following a visit to the library.

The feedback highlighted improvements to the library’s organization, decorations, historical displays, children’s area and meeting space.

ACTC students contributed to several of these improvements through their volunteer service at the library. The community member’s feedback reflects the impact of their time and efforts in enhancing the library experience for visitors.

In addition to giving back to the community, students gained experiences that will later assist them with their resume development, provide things to discuss in an interview, and support career development.

By doing this, students can earn digital badges that can be showcased on platforms such as LinkedIn and Handshake. These badges enhance students' profiles, making them more visible to potential employers and contribute toward the completion of the Work Ready Certification.

“We heard great feedback from the organizations this semester, and they were especially grateful for the extra help from our students during such a busy time of year,” said Amy Oakley, Career Services’ student support specialist. “I’m proud to see our students getting involved in their communities, giving back, and making a difference through their volunteer experiences.”

For more information about the 10 essential skills, please visit our website:
https://ashland.kctcs.edu/current-students/academic-resources/essential-skills.aspx

For organizations interested in future volunteer opportunities for the event, contact Amy Oakley at amy.oakley@kctcs.edu.